3M India honours the winners of ‘3M-CII Young Innovators Challenge Awards 2021’
8th edition of the challenge witnessed participation from over 1500 young innovators across India Focus on ideas reshaping society with science and sustainable solutions, with the ability to deliver a positive impact
New Delhi: 3M India has announced the winners of the eighth edition of the prestigious 3M-CII Young Innovators Challenge Awards at the CII Innovation Summit 2021, in Bengaluru. With an aim to support young innovators in reshaping society with science and sustainable solutions, the theme for this year’s challenge was “Ideas that inspire hope for a resurgent India”. The challenge received entries including tech solutions offering affordable digital classrooms, hearing impaired friendly learning platform, clean biomass-burning stove and innovative products for cancer survivors among many others.
Since its inception in 2014, the 3M-CII Young Innovators Challenge Awards Program has been recognizing and encouraging youth-led innovations that have demonstrated potential to bring about a sustainable impact in our society. With 8 successful editions, Young Innovators Challenge has awarded more than 40 young innovators giving rise to 5000+ ideas for impact. This year the jury has selected two winners under – Product Innovation category, one winner under Service Innovation category and two under the Rural & Inclusive Innovation category. In addition, there are two special mention awardees under Product and Service Innovation categories, respectively.
The Challenge intends to examine, identify and encourage innovators whose idea can also contribute towards addressing the sustainable development goals (SDGs) stated by the United Nations. It fosters the creation of a solution/ service that generates unique value to its audience across sectors like health, education, environment and governance.
Applauding the winners, Mr. Ramesh Ramadurai, Managing Director, 3M India said, “The pandemic has brought a sense of urgency to create an environment that fosters sustainable growth through empowering bold leaders for the future challenges. 3M in collaboration with CII aims to provide a platform to our young innovators who have demonstrated tremendous potential to create a better world and serve communities. We are proud of the talent that we have in our country and look forward to following the journey of our 2021 winners.”
This year the external jury included experts from the technology sector, social innovators as well as members from the corporate world. The entire challenge was conducted virtually, given the disruption caused by the pandemic. The 3M-CII Young Innovators Challenge Awards provides a great opportunity to the ‘’changemakers” who can lead the future with their ideas. 3M India will offer a seed funding of INR 3,00,000 to each of the winners, and INR 1,50,000 to winners of the special recognition prize.